introduction to the workforce development system

Chicago Jobs Council

Introduction to the Workforce Development System

Developed by the Chicago Jobs Council Delivered by the Supportive Housing

Providers Association


• Introductions• What is the Workforce Development System? • Program Models / Services for Job Seekers• Funding Sources• Challenges and Opportunities

Agenda


What is the Workforce Development System?


What is the Workforce Development System?• Assists disadvantaged individuals prepare

for, find, and remain engaged in employment

• Network of community-based organizations, training providers, and other institutions

• Funded by a variety of sources


Workforce Development: Intersections with Other Systems• Community Colleges• Adult Education (Literacy, ESL, GED prep)• Economic Development• Human Services


Who does the Workforce Development system serve?

• Youth (in-school and out-of-school)• People with criminal records• Public housing residents• Veterans• Homeless individuals• TANF recipients• Unemployment Insurance recipients• Individuals with limited English proficiency• Low-wage incumbent workers


Program Models / Services for Job Seekers


Transitional Jobs (TJ) Programs• Aimed at individuals with limited labor market

experience (i.e. ex-offenders, public housing residents, older youth)

• Time-limited, wage paying (subsidized) employment– Real work experience– Extensive support services and case management– Job readiness/ soft skills– Assistance transitioning to unsubsidized employment


Transitional Jobs (TJ) Programs

• Types of TJ Program Models

– Individual placement– Work crews – Social enterprise


“Bridge” Educational Strategies• Goal: increase education levels of individuals so

they can succeed in post-secondary education and/or career path employment

• Remedial instruction beginning at low literacy / numeracy levels, contextualized to an occupation

• No dedicated funding stream or program- Adult Basic Education, WIA Title I, Community Development Block Grant, private funding braiding of several funding sources


“Bridge” Educational Strategies

• Definition adopted by Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

• 3 main “bridge” program components

• Components are mandatory; without one it’s not a “bridge” program


Illinois Definition of Bridge Program: 3 Core Elements

• Contextualized instruction that integrates basic reading, math, and language skills with occupational knowledge

• Career Development that includes career exploration, career planning, and understanding of the world of work.

• Transition Services that provide students with the information and assistance they need to successfully navigate the process of moving from adult education to credit or occupational programs.


Bridge programs in the field• Successful bridge programs can be offered by a range

of entities – Community based organizations

– Community colleges

– Partnerships between CBOs and community colleges


Sector-based Training

• Training developed in conjunction with an employer to ensure it meets industry standards

• Designed to prepare participants for particular occupations within a high demand industry

• Chicago has focused on manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and hospitality (among others)


Employment Prep & Placement • Basic workplace skills• Communication and problem solving skills• Resume and cover letter writing• Interviewing skills• Basic computer skills• Job search and placement assistance• Potential referral to sector training program• Follow up services to ensure employment

retention


Adult Basic Education (ABE)

• Provides basic education services to adults • English as a Second Language• Literacy• GED preparation• Contextualized ABE a part of bridge programs• Recently there has been increased conversation

about enhancing linkage between these services and workforce development


Support Services

• State ID• Obtain criminal record• GED registration fee • Licensing fee / exams• Glasses• Books / materials for

training• Referrals to other social

services

• Transportation• Child care• Dependent care• Housing• Access to voicemail• Clothing / uniforms• Legal assistance


Workforce Development Funding Sources


Workforce Investment Act(WIA) Title I

U.S. Department of LaborEmployment & Training Administration

Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity


Workforce Investment Act(WIA) Title I • Dual customer: job seeker and employer

• Serves low-income adults, low-income youth, & dislocated workers

• Performance outcomes: job placement, job retention, wages, attainment of degree/certificate, literacy & numeracy gains


Eligibility and Suitability• Adult: 18 years and older; low-income (very)• Dislocated Worker: unemployed and unlikely to return

to occupation; received a layoff notice or have been laid off due to a company closure or mass layoff; self employed but currently unemployed

• Youth: 16-21 years; low-income; barrier(s) to employment

• Suitability: May be referred to appropriate educational entity, bridge program, other workforce development program, or social service agency upon assessment


Types of WIA Services• Universal: general orientation, eligibility assessment,

job search activities, basic workshops, labor market information

• Intensive: job readiness skills, comprehensive assessment, individual employment plan, workshops on interviewing, resumes, job search

• Training: industry-specific occupational training, Individual Training Accounts (ITAs)

• Must be suitable and eligible for WIA program to access intensive and training services.

WIA Network

• # Workforce Centers (aka one-stops)

• # Affiliate Agencies

http://www.ildceo.net/dceo/bureaus/workforce_development/warn/warn_lwia+regions.htm




Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Uses related to workforce development– Source of flexible funding for training and job placement

services (both TANF recipients and non-recipients)– Pipeline into employment & training services for low-

income parents

• Access to services is through Family Community Resource Centers (run by IDHS)


Workforce Development Resources

cjc.net wire.cjc.net

greencollarchicago.org

ilworks4future.org


Questions?

Contact information Lore BakerExecutive Director, [email protected] 217-528-9814Johnna LoweResident Education & Advocacy Coordinator, [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Thanks!

introduction to the workforce development system

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